C.E.O. rejects ‘nepotism’ claim

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“This person in question is not a driver. He’s the Assistant Secretary and part of his duties is to drive the Minister when necessary” – Papali’i John Taimalelagi

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration (M.J.C.A.), Papali'i John Taimalelagi, has rejected claims of wrongdoing over the salary of an employee who drives the Minister’s vehicle as part of his duties.

Documents obtained by the Sunday Samoan shows the employee is paid $28,326.96 per annum, an amount which has raised eyebrows in the public service where most Ministerial drivers are paid less than $14,000 per annum.

The Minister of Justice and Courts Administration, Fa’aolesa Katopau Ainu’u, could not be reached for a comment.